“In addition, we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any vehicles or who were in a vehicle in the surrounding areas at the time,” police said.

Police said the vehicle that hit the pedestrian was likely to have damage to the front or driver’s side.

Anyone with information that could assist police investigations is asked to call 105 and reference event number 241103/7573.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A family spokesman said the woman did not remember the incident. Two motorists found her and called. emergency services around 5:20 p.m. They also used her phone to contact her husband, who arrived at the scene shortly after.

She was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by Hato Hone St John in a serious condition and underwent a six-hour operation for a fractured femur.

She is awaiting transfer to Auckland or Wellington for further operations.

The family spokesperson said the woman had been through a terrible ordeal and would have a long road to recovery.

They were hoping witnesses or someone with dashcam footage from cars in the area at the time would come forward.

“I hope someone knows something.”

A motorist who arrived at the scene shortly after emergency services arrived said there were clear tire marks leading to where the woman was being treated.

He understood that she had been walking on the opposite side of the road to the car, suggesting that the vehicle had crossed the center line.